Susan and Michael

Thompson

A memorial service celebrating the lives of Michael Lee Thompson and Susan Marie Thompson will be held locally in the WARE FUNERAL HOME 1 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2026.  

Michael Lee “Mike” Thompson, 76, of Terre Haute, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, while in the loving care of his nurses. Born April 27, 1950, in Greenfield, Ohio, Mike always considered Ross County, Ohio, home. His career eventually brought him to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he and his beloved wife, Susan Marie “Suzi” (Kuhn) Thompson, built their life and raised their family. Mike and Suzi were married on January 31, 1970, in Jamestown, Tennessee, beginning a marriage that lasted 50 years until her passing in 2020. Their love was demonstrated not only in words but in countless acts of devotion throughout their lives together. Mike proudly served in the United States Air Force, working with communication equipment, before continuing his career with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). His technical expertise earned him recognition for equipment development in the 1980s. He also taught electronics and peripherals at Ivy Tech Community College. A lifelong Scout and dedicated Scout leader, Mike enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experiences with young people. He was an avid amateur radio operator, holding the call sign KA9JWZ, and enjoyed electronics, music, Star Trek, camping, and bowling. Known for his dry wit, quick mind, and wonderfully literal sense of humor, Mike was always ready with an unexpected observation or a lesson worth remembering. Above all, Mike was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a teacher at heart, generous with his knowledge and quietly steadfast in his love for those around him. Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Susan Marie “Suzi” (Kuhn) Thompson; his mother, Rosemarie (Donohoe) Foraker; his stepfather, Charles Foraker; his father, William Z. Thompson; and his daughter-in-law, Tisha Thompson. He is survived by his son, Dwayne Michael Thompson; his daughter, Carla Jean (Thompson) Whitesides and her wife, Margaret “Micki” Whitesides; four grandchildren; one great-grandson; and his brother, Richard Foraker, along with extended family and friends.

A joint celebration of life honoring both Mike and Suzi will be held in Ross County, Ohio, with arrangements to be announced at a later date. The family looks forward to celebrating both lives together, as COVID-19 restrictions prevented a gathering to honor Suzi following her passing in 2020.

Mike lived by a simple expression that his family will carry forward: “Keep on keeping on.”

KOKO, Daddy. We love you

Susan "Suzie" Marie Kuhn Thompson

June 13, 1950 - May 26, 2020

Suzie was the daughter of James Eugene deceased and Luvada Lue (Detty) Kuhn. She was raised in Chillicothe, Ohio and graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1969. She married her high school sweetheart, Michael Lee Thompson. Together they raised 2 wonderful children, Dwayne Thompson (Tisha Gehring) and Carla Whitesides (Margaret) and celebrated 50 years of marriage. Suzie was very active in her children's lives. She was passionate about Scouts, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and owner of AAA Sewing Suite (Terre Haute, IN). Suzie was a beautiful singer and artist. She brought love and light to many who knew her and will be sorely missed. Suzie was preceded in death by her father James and brother Christopher Eugene Kuhn. She will be missed by her mother Luvada, husband Mike, children Dwayne and Carla, her grandchildren, Steven Tyler Chrisman, Christopher Flint Chrisman (Kyrsten), and William Patrick Chrisman. She was much loved and adored by her extended family John Phillip Detty (Julie), David Detty (Hiedi), Roger Detty deceased (Leah), Janet Gorrell deceased (David) and Ralph William "Billy" Detty (Carolyn deceased). Along with the many cousins, nieces, and nephews. It was Suzie's wish to be cremated at the DeBaun Funeral Home and Crematory in Terre Haute, Indiana. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date and time.